Information for Students

Policies and management

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• Yeshiva Gedola Rabbinical College of Sydney operates in accordance with the Rules of the Sydney Talmudical College Association ABN 96 000 364 269.
• The College maintains high professional standards and safeguards the educational interests and welfare of all students. College Policies and Procedures are formulated in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework Standards for Registered Training Organisations[1]. A copy of College Policies and Procedures will be made available on request.
• All staff have suitable qualifications and experience to deliver the course for the number of students under instruction.
• Location
• The College is located in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs with easy access to public transport and close to shopping centres, many Jewish organisations, synagogues and kosher food outlets.
• The study hall, library, kitchen and dining room areas are all conveniently located on the college campus.
• The learning environment is conducive to the success of students. Adequate facilities and appropriate methods and materials are provided suitable to the number and learning needs of the students under instruction.
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• Accommodation & Resources
• Dormitory accommodation is provided close to the campus. The cost of accommodation is included in the fees charged (where applicable).
• The campus contains a spacious and comfortable study complex adjacent to the synagogue;
• Dining facilities are located on campus. The cost of meals is included in the fees charged (where applicable);
• Administration facilities are located on campus.
• The campus research library contains a vast range of holy books and scriptures and reference texts.
• Student support
• Most of our students are in-house students and therefore very little external support is required. However, the support we offer includes
• pre-course interviews;
• training needs analysis;
• Recognition of Prior Learning assessment;
• options in learning;
• guidance via our Teaching Rabbis, who perform the functions of student contact officers;
• one on one tutoring;
• research facilities.
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• Fees & refund policy
• Fees are not presently charged for overseas students who are enrolled in the course.
• If tuition fees were payable for a student to undertake a course provided by the college, they would be published in a supplement to this document and issued to the intending student.
• Such fees would be payable prior to the commencement of the course.
• In the event that a student pays fees, the payment will be recorded by the Finance Manager in our accounting system and in our Student Database.
• Refunds, if required will be issued by cheque after assessment by the Finance Manager and approval by Executive Director when:
• a course has been cancelled by us;
• student gives us written notice prior to commencement of course;
• student accepts a course offer from a different educational institution within the first 3 weeks of the course;
• review of Recognition of Prior Learning indicates that student does not have to undertake the course /part course;
• student is unable to attend due to extended hospitalisation or illness.
• The College will not issue refunds for:
• moving interstate;
• students who leave before finishing course / module.
• In the event that a refund is given we will refund all fees within the first 3 weeks of the course or partial fees on a pro-rata basis if the student is further into the course.
• Course Entry Requirements
• Recruitment of overseas students will be conducted in an ethical and responsible manner. Prospective students are invited to apply after extensive consultations by the Dean and Spiritual Leader and the Rabbinic Administrator with heads of Yeshivas worldwide, who nominate and recommend known students as being suitable candidates for enrolment.
• Candidates will be interviewed by the Rabbinical Administrator.
• Candidates are required to complete an 'Application for Enrolment', which will be forwarded to them by post, fax or email.
• The College exists to provide higher Jewish learning for men who:
• are observant, practicing members of Jewish faith;
• have attained the age of 18 years;
• can read, write and speak English;
• are high school graduates. This is preferred but students who have attained a satisfactory level of Jewish studies may be accepted;
• can read, comprehend and write Hebrew at a level that displays a detailed knowledge and vocabulary and appropriate use of key phrases and terminologies;
• are able to read and comprehend Yiddish. This requirement is advisory rather than prescriptive, however, entrants should be aware that they may experience difficulty undertaking the course unless they are able to read and comprehend Yiddish and that there is no remedial provision built into the course.
• have a basic knowledge of key Jewish texts, and the Jewish laws and customs;
• are committed to pursuing the College’s aims and are prepared to abide by the conditions of acceptance and rules of the College;
• Soon after the application is received, the applicant will be notified whether he has been accepted.
• Course Details
• The College offers a nationally accredited, full-time, residential, two-year course which entitles graduates to the award of a Diploma of Talmudic Studies and rabbinic ordination (Smicha). Graduation from the course may lead to a career as a religious worker or Jewish community professional in a field such as Minister of Religion, kashrut supervisor or teacher. Students who only partially complete the course will be issued with a Statement of Attainment for the modules completed. The curriculum offered is suitable for both Australian and international students.
• The course is recognised by all other Rabbinical Colleges and Yeshivas around the world. Varying degrees of credit transfer may also be given by university faculties, depending on the nature of their course.
• Students unhappy about the quality of their course should firstly try to resolve the matter with the College. If the issue cannot be resolved they can contact the relevant government department.
• Course Structure
• Course delivery and assessment meet the needs of a diverse range of students through lectures, demonstration of skills, group discussion, case study analysis, research activities and supervised private study.
• Full time study
• Where an overseas student is required to take extra units to complete a course of study and the remaining units do not constitute a full-time load as defined in paragraphs 13.1 and 13.2 of the National Code, the Code does not require the College to enrol the student in full-time study. This paragraph applies to overseas students who are required to repeat units of study, however, the College must not allow them to repeat any unit more than once.
• Assessment
• Assessment of candidates will be based on a number of different assessment techniques including:
• Written or oral questions
• Research assignments
• Case study analysis
• Practical demonstration
• Appeals and re-assessment
• Students can appeal against assessment outcomes. The Executive Director will review the appeal and contact the student to discuss and arrange a re-assessment in accordance with our assessment policy. In the case of an appeal, a meeting is arranged between the College and the client, who may approach the Sydney Beth Din[2] (rabbinical court) to hear the appeal. There is no cost associated with an appeal.
• Flexible learning and assessment procedures
• Flexible learning and assessment procedures form part of our learning and assessment strategies. The assessment process can be adjusted to suit a student's special needs (eg timing of assessment, language / literacy requirements).
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• The College will accept the relevant credentials issued by any other registered training organisation based in any State or Territory of Australia. Students may apply for credit in such cases by presenting the relevant documentation. The evidence they provide must be authentic (original documents if applicable), current (ie, reflective of current practices in areas where RPL is sought) and sufficient to be able to assess that competency is achieved. All requests for RPL must be received at least 5 days prior to commencement of training.
• All assessment of RPL applications are reviewed by the Rabbinic Administrator or, when deemed necessary, we invite an eminent expert to be part of our assessment process.
• If RPL is granted a record must be signed by the student and placed on the student file. There is no cost to the student. In instances where evidence is hard for an applicant to gather (eg learning which occurred overseas), the Rabbinic Administrator can offer the options of practical demonstration and/or assessment to ascertain RPL outcomes.
• Deferment
• Once an overseas student has enrolled in a course, the College will not allow them to defer commencement of their studies or suspend their studies except on the grounds of illness, evidenced by a doctor’s certificate or other exceptional compassionate circumstances beyond the control of the student, for example, bereavement. If a student defers or suspends their studies on any other grounds, the College must report the student as not complying with visa conditions to the Department of Immigration.
• Access & Equity
• The College recognises there may be individual needs or differences between its students. Regardless of cultural background, gender, sexuality, disability or age students will have the right to study in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and be treated in a fair and considerate manner while studying. The College and its staff will be mindful of the specific needs of every client including language, literacy and numeracy and various supports students might need. At all times the College seeks to provide consistency.
• Provision for language, literacy & numeracy
• We monitor the needs of our client's language, literacy and numeracy skills through our induction process, application & enrolment forms and interviews.
• Complaints
• Students have access to a fair and equitable process for dealing with complaints. Complaints should be directed to Teaching Rabbis, who are required to take action.
• Complaints, grievances and appeals will be recorded on Corrective Action Record. The Corrective Action Record requires that action taken to rectify the complaints, grievances and appeals be noted and signed off.
• Personal Records
• Students have access to their personal records. When accessing personal information they must first apply to the Executive Director, providing proof of identity by name, address and Date Of Birth. Students who seek access to their information must use an official 'Authorisation Form'.
• Disclosure of Information
• Except when specified by State or Commonwealth government instrumentalities, information about a student is not disclosed to a third party without the written consent of the student. Students who seek access to their information must use an official ' Information Access Authorisation Form'. Students are referred to the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998[3].
• Grounds for expulsion
• Any use or possession of non-medicinal drugs is absolutely prohibited and will result in automatic and immediate expulsion. The Yeshiva has a zero tolerance policy.
• Disregard for authority of the will be dealt with severely and could result in expulsion.
• Any student found to be at a venue inappropriate for a Yeshiva student is likely to be expelled.
• Excessive absence from lectures and tutorials may result in expulsion.
• The night curfew is strictly enforced. Any breaches may result in a study penalty, imposition of a curfew, suspension or expulsion.
• Discipline Code
• Students are expected to dress and act in an appropriate manner at all times. Incidents of serious misconduct could lead to exclusion from the course and will be dealt strictly in accordance with relevant State or Commonwealth law.
• To ensure all course participants receive equal opportunities and gain the maximum from their time with us, these rules apply to all people who attend any of our sessions. Any person(s) who display(s) dysfunctional or disruptive behavior may be ask to leave the session and/or the course. Dysfunctional behavior may include:
• continuous interruptions to the trainer whilst delivering the course content
• smoking in non-smoking areas
• being disrespectful to other participants
• harassment by using offensive language
• sexual harassment
• acting in an unsafe manner that places themselves and others at risk
• refusing to participate when required in group activities
• continued absence at required times
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• Child protection
• All staff and students of the college shall comply with the “Yeshiva College Bondi Limited Child Safe Policy”.
• Prohibited conduct
• Full or partial absence from lectures and tutorials.
• Cigarette smoking on the premises.
• Only music deemed appropriate for a student by the management is allowed:
• Electronic equipment or reading material not in the spirit of the College is not permitted on the premises. If found, such material will be removed and a penalty applied. Equipment used in time, place or manner that disturbs staff, fellow students or neighbours will be confiscated and not necessarily returned.
• Students living together in a bedroom shall be jointly responsible to prevent damage to the room and its furniture. In the absence of identification of the party causing any damage, the cost of replacement or repair will be assessed to all occupants of the room equally. In the event of damage or any unnecessary mess caused to a general area, the cost of repair or cleaning will be assessed to all resident students.
• The College has the right to implement or modify a penalty of any sort when such action is deemed necessary.
• We have a documented procedure that covers any appeals, complaints or grievances.
• Any person who is asked to leave a session or course has the right of appeal through our appeals process.
• In the case of an appeal, a meeting is arranged between the College and the student, who may approach the Sydney Beth Din (rabbinical court) to hear the appeal. The Beth Din's telephone number is (02) 9267 2477.
• Welfare and guidance services
• We will endeavour to provide welfare and guidance to all students/clients including:
• Occupational Health and Safety;
• review of payment schedules when requested
• learning pathways and possible RPL opportunities;
• provision for special learning needs;
• provision for special cultural needs;
• provision for special dietary needs.
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• Teaching Rabbis will perform the functions of student contact officer. They will be responsible for provision of support services to overseas students, including counseling, which will:
• Promote the successful adjustment by overseas students to life and study at the college.
• Assist students to resolve problems which could impede successful completion of their study programs.
• Devise a plan of action to improve performance if a student is not meeting attendance or academic requirements.
• General Information
• Airport Transfer: Provided sufficient notice of flight arrival details is given to our office, every effort will be made to pick up overseas students from the airport. On arrival, a student should phone our office to confirm whether pick-up has been arranged.
• Money Transfer: Whilst overseas students are in Australia, it would be advisable for parents to send funds to them either by direct deposit to their bank account here or to provide them with a credit or debit card.
• Living Expenses: Although every student’s needs are different and all meals are provided by the college, students will need some funds to cover snacks, laundry, dry cleaning, phone calls, purchase of personal items, transport etc. AUD$20-30 per week would be reasonable.
• General insurance: Student belongings are not covered by our insurance: if necessary please arrange for personal insurance to be taken out.
• Orientation: On arrival, Teaching Rabbis will provide overseas students with information about bank accounts, health services, accommodation etc. Students may discuss academic progress and further study opportunities with the Teaching Rabbis. Students with problems of any nature are encouraged to discuss them with Teaching Rabbis. Students with queries should contact the Rabbinic Administrator or the administration office for assistance.
• Pesach Vacation: Overseas students may return home for the 3 week break, provided they return in time for the commencement of the next term. Students may make their own arrangements and stay with families in Sydney or Melbourne. There is no Pesach kitchen. Should a student have difficulties making arrangements, the office will try to help by finding a suitable family with whom to stay. Local and interstate students must go home.
• Laundry: Students may use the laundry facilities that are available at the College.